Cockatoo Island Accommodation

We stayed last Saturday night in a Deluxe tent. Whilst the tent was adequate, the tent itself was very hot and did not cool down till 3am. The ghost tour was not running due to music on the grass at the top of Cockatoo island- At 35.00 entry per person! If it's raining, there is next to no shelter. certainly not enough for all who are staying overnight. There are 2 cafes. Be aware hours vary on the day of the week One on the southern side of the Island open from 9am till 5pm - with last kitchen orders at 4pm. One on the northern side of the Island open 830am till 8pm - last kitchen orders at 7pm. We arrived at this cafe at 615pm, only to be told they were busy cooking pre orders (which we were not aware was a thing, nor were we told during the inductions- if an induction is what you could call it after checking in) which would take till 7pm. THEREFORE, they were NOT TAKING ANY MORE FOOD ORDERS. the only available food being muffins, banana bread and biscuits, They were still selling alcohol in contraindication of Resonsible Service of Alcohol which states you should sell food with Alcohol. Luckily, we had taken cheese and biscuits for snacks which became out dinner. Yes, you can BBQ but staying one night we decided we didn't want the hassle of carrying food and cooking utensils and were happy to buy food but none was available as stated above. Due a bad night sleep due to heat and children awake and running around at 6am, and yes, we did expect noise and limited sleep. But we did hope for coffee and breakfast. HOWEVER, the cafe did not open till 830am for coffee or breakfast. So once again, NO coffee or breakfast for us. We caught the 828am Ferry out of there. If you like camping and taking all your food for 1 night, then this is probably for you. BUT if you want the experience without the hassle of carting all your food, and think you can buy it, I will say forget it. I have had friends ask for my advice and after advising the same, they have decided to forget the night of camping and opt for a day trip instead.

This was our second stay at a Harbour View Apartment, the first time we had the one-bedroom one and this time we booked the two-bedroom apartment, as there were three of us. Our stay coincided with two days of extreme heat and humidity, and since the apartment only had ceiling fans and a small and very noisy portable air-conditioner it did get a touch uncomfortable. We still enjoyed our stay, but potential guests should be aware of the cooling arrangements. Also worth mentioning might be the capriciousness of the WiFi connection. We were told this was only available around the reception area. However, we did manage to gain access in our apartment now and again. The apartment itself was spacious and immaculate, really a bit too big for just three people. The bedrooms and bathroom were on the small side, but the living area was huge. The kitchen had cutlery and crockery for six people, a microwave and fridge as well as a capsule coffee machine with pods. There were also coffee bags and tea bags, but no herbal tea. We received a carton of milk at check-in and only discovered later that it was skim milk. You are expected to wash and clear away your dishes and drop your rubbish into a bin outdoors before leaving. Don't hope to gain access to your apartment before 3 pm, but you can while away the time until check-in with a walk around or a coffee at the cafe. Be aware that the cafe is not open for dinner, so you will need to bring your own or pre-order a BBQ pack, or catch a ferry to the "mainland". Since the apartments are located on the upper island, you might want to accept the offer of taking you and your luggage up in a buggy. Pick-up is also available on request. A stay on Cockatoo Island is highly recommended for its uniqueness and the island's historical significance. The harbour views from the apartment are sensational, although you will only be able to glimpse the very top of a sail of the Opera House. If you get up early you might be lucky to see the sky glow over the Harbour Bridge. If you can afford it, try to stay for New Year's Eve.

We decided to go as a whole family in the Heritage House. So much room and everything you need to make it a great stay. Comfy beds and great bathroom facilities. Being so close to Sydney by Ferry made it a fun way to get around. Three bedrooms upstairs with a bathroom- balconies everywhere. Downstairs two living areas, a well stocked kitchen and large dining room.

It was quite expensive for the service. The staff were not very welcoming but pleasant enough. The highlights are you are camping on the harbor and the view is very pretty. At sunset the very large bats come out which is quite cool to see but they are very loud with each other. Here is somethings you should know. Both eateries close at 430 pm so plan accordingly for dinner. If you get the package that includes electricity it’s only on from 6pm-6am. The waterway is very active until dark then the row teams start at 0500 it might have been earlier but their coaches are very loud and aggressive. What a way to wake up. It was nice just manage your expectations.

Fantastic new perspective of Sydney Harbour. Great little tent for a couples night. We had a beautiful evening walk, talk and snooze. Perfect peaceful evening under the tree tops. Great facilities and cleanliness. Loved the cubicles with Toilet, basin and shower combined.

We love the cockatoo Island camping experience ! the island has a stunning location in the middle of the Sydney harbour surrounded by blue waters the island has a great 200 years old history where it was a former of convict colony, as well as a ship building yard, a power station and now thankfully it’s been preserved very well with sustainable tourism of tents, studios and villas.